MONTEGO BAY, St James - Some officials in western Jamaica yesterday adopted a wait-and-see attitude, while others took the necessary precautions and remained on alert as they braced for a weakened Tropical Storm Gustav, which moved closer to the island last night.

It was business as usual at the Sangster International Airport, and a representative said there were no announcement of cancellations from any airline, nor was there a rush from visitors to leave the island.

At the same time, St James disaster preparedness officials said they had no major concerns, but would be watching flood-prone areas such as Greenwood, Rose Hall and downtown Montego Bay in the event of heavy rains.

In neighbouring Westmoreland, residents of Warf Road which was affected by heavy flooding from recent rains in the parish, were advised to be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

However, parish co-ordinator for Trelawny, Dion Hylton-Lewis, said officials there were taking no chances and would be evacuating the 52 residents from the Falmouth Infirmary, located along the coast.

In addition, Hylton-Lewis said residents from Zion in Martha Brae, Bottom Town in Clarks Town, Jackson Town, Salt Marsh and Wakefield were told to be ready to evacuate.

Disaster preparedness co-ordinator for Hanover, Faye Headly said recent drain-cleaning work should prevent major flooding in the capital, Lucea, but said her team would remain on full alert.

Two cruise lines, in the meantime, yesterday cancelled stops at ports in Montego Bay, St James and Ocho Rios, St Ann.

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